SAYYIDAH KHADIJAH (A.S.): THE FIRST BELIEVER, THE MOTHER OF ISLAM, AND THE GREATEST SUPPORTER OF THE PROPHETIC MISSION

By Professor Abdullahi Danladi

As I was preparing to retire for a brief morning rest, I decided, as is often the case, to take one last look through my social media pages. Human nature being what it is, the blessed birth anniversary of Sayyidah Khadijah al-Kubra (A.S.) had completely escaped my attention until I came across a message congratulating the Muslim Ummah on this auspicious occasion. Instantly, I felt compelled to put pen to paper and write a few words about this extraordinary woman whose sacrifices helped lay the foundation of Islam.

I do so with the humble hope that on the Day of Judgment, Sayyidah Khadijah (A.S.) may bear witness before Allah that I cherished her memory, loved the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.), and remained devoted to his pure and noble household.

Indeed, any attempt to write about Khadijah (A.S.) is not merely an exercise in history; it is a tribute to one of the greatest women ever created by Allah and one of the brightest lights in the history of Islam.

The birth anniversary of Sayyidah Khadijah al-Kubra (A.S.) is a moment of profound reflection for the Muslim Ummah. It is an occasion to remember and celebrate one of the most remarkable women ever created by Allah—a woman whose faith, wisdom, sacrifice, and devotion played a pivotal role in the establishment and survival of Islam during its most vulnerable years.

Although history remembers her as the first and most beloved wife of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), her greatness transcends her marital relationship with the Prophet. She was the first believer in Islam, the foremost supporter of the prophetic mission, the mother of the believers, and one of the greatest women to have walked the earth.

Born into the noble tribe of Quraysh, Khadijah (A.S.) was distinguished by her exceptional character long before the advent of Islam. She was known throughout Makkah for her honesty, chastity, wisdom, generosity, and integrity. Her impeccable reputation earned her the title Al-Tahirah (The Pure One). Unlike many of her contemporaries, she rejected the moral corruption and idol worship that characterized pre-Islamic Arabia and maintained a life founded upon virtue and dignity.

As a successful merchant, she commanded enormous respect within Arabian society. Yet her wealth never made her arrogant, nor did her status distance her from the poor and vulnerable. Instead, she used her resources to assist the needy and uphold noble values. These qualities eventually led her to recognize the extraordinary character of Muhammad ibn Abdullah (S.A.W.A.), whose honesty and trustworthiness had become legendary even before his prophethood.

Their marriage became one of the most blessed unions in human history. It was a relationship built upon faith, mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to truth and justice. During their marriage, Khadijah (A.S.) provided the Prophet (S.A.W.) with a home characterized by tranquility, compassion, and unwavering support.

When Allah entrusted Muhammad (S.A.W.) with the monumental responsibility of conveying the final divine message to humanity, Khadijah (A.S.) immediately embraced the truth of his mission. Without hesitation, doubt, or reservation, she became the first person to declare faith in Islam. This singular distinction remains one of the greatest honors bestowed upon any human being.

Her belief was not merely a verbal declaration. She understood that the prophetic mission would invite opposition from the powerful elites of Makkah and would require enormous sacrifice. Nevertheless, she chose to stand firmly beside the Messenger of Allah, dedicating her life, wealth, influence, and energy to the success of Islam.

In many respects, Khadijah (A.S.) became the backbone of the early Islamic movement. While the Prophet (S.A.W.A) carried the responsibility of conveying Allah's message, Khadijah (A.S.) provided the material and emotional support necessary for that mission to flourish in its formative years.

Her entire fortune was placed at the service of Islam. She spent generously to support the believers, protect the vulnerable, and sustain the growing Muslim community. During the harsh years of persecution and the economic boycott imposed by the Quraysh against the Prophet's clan, Khadijah (A.S.) sacrificed virtually all her wealth for the survival of the Muslims.

The boycott in the Valley of Abu Talib remains one of the most painful chapters in Islamic history. For nearly three years, Muslims endured severe deprivation, hunger, and social isolation. Throughout this ordeal, Khadijah (A.S.) remained steadfast, utilizing her remaining resources to alleviate the suffering of the believers. The hardships she endured during this period significantly weakened her health and ultimately contributed to her departure from this world.

Her death represented an immense loss to the Prophet (S.A.W.A.) and the Muslim community. So profound was this loss that the year in which she and Abu Talib passed away became known as 'Aam al-Huzn—the Year of Sorrow.

Despite the passage of years, the Messenger of Allah never ceased remembering her virtues. He frequently spoke about her sacrifices, loyalty, and unwavering faith. Even after her death, he honored her memory by maintaining ties with her friends and relatives. Whenever Khadijah was mentioned, the Prophet's words reflected profound affection and gratitude.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Khadijah's life is the extraordinary honor that Allah bestowed upon her. According to authentic traditions, Angel Jibril descended and instructed the Prophet (S.A.W.A) to convey greetings of peace from Allah Himself to Khadijah (A.S.) and to give her glad tidings of a magnificent palace in Paradise.

What greater honor can there be than for the Lord of the Worlds to send His greetings directly to one of His servants?

The Prophet (S.A.WA.) also informed the Muslim community that Khadijah (A.S.) belongs to the select group of women who attained the highest levels of spiritual perfection. Alongside Sayyidah Maryam bint Imran, Sayyidah Asiyah bint Muzahim, and his daughter Fatimah al-Zahra (A.S.), Khadijah occupies a unique position among the greatest women in human history.

Her virtues were numerous and extraordinary. She possessed unwavering faith when others doubted. She demonstrated courage when many were afraid. She sacrificed her wealth when others clung to their possessions. She remained loyal during periods of hardship when others abandoned their principles. Most importantly, she recognized the truth and dedicated herself entirely to its service.

Her greatest earthly legacy was her daughter, Fatimah al-Zahra (A.S.), through whom the blessed lineage of the Holy Prophet continued. Through this noble lineage emerged the Imams of the Prophet's household, who preserved and defended the authentic teachings of Islam across generations.

The life of Khadijah (A.S.) carries enduring lessons for humanity. She teaches that true greatness is measured not by wealth or social status, but by faith, sacrifice, and service to a higher cause. She demonstrates that women are not merely participants in history but often its architects and guardians. The story of Islam cannot be told without acknowledging the decisive contributions of Khadijah al-Kubra (A.S.).

As we commemorate her blessed birth, we should not merely praise her virtues but strive to emulate them. The Muslim world today desperately needs her spirit of generosity, her commitment to justice, her unwavering loyalty to truth, and her readiness to sacrifice personal interests for the sake of divine principles.

More than fourteen centuries after her passing, her name continues to illuminate the hearts of believers across the world. She remains a timeless symbol of faith, devotion, courage, and selfless service to Allah.

May Allah shower His infinite mercy upon Sayyidah Khadijah al-Kubra (A.S.), elevate her rank among the righteous, and grant us the ability to follow her noble example.

Peace be upon Khadijah, the First Believer, the Mother of Islam, the Helper of the Messenger of Allah, and one of the greatest women ever created by the Almighty.